Naruto: Maelstrom Of The Uzumaki

The team led by Uzumaki Raiden moved swiftly. Although Fugaku and the others were injured to varying degrees, it didn't hinder their progress. Once Uzumaki Raiden recovered with Fugaku's assistance, their pace increased even more.

The Rock ninja pursuing them, lacking the support of large, bird-shaped clay constructs, couldn't close the distance quickly. By the time Atsuchi's chakra recovered enough to create new clay, Raiden and his group had already escaped beyond the range of Iwagakure's perception ninjutsu, making it impossible to track them.

"Old man, we've lost their trail!"

Night fell in the Land of Rain. Heavy rain poured from the sky, washing away any traces left by Uzumaki Raiden and his team. Atsuchi crouched on the ground, unable to find any clues. He turned to Kitsuchi and reported, "We've lost them."

With a creak, the wooden box opened, and Onoki slowly emerged, his clothes quickly drenched by the rain. After hearing the report, Onoki sighed reluctantly, muttering, "So it's a failure after all. Uzumaki Raiden poses too great a threat to us. Even with all the preparation, it wasn't enough."

Onoki gazed at the rainy night in silence.

"Sensei, what's our next move?" Kitsuchi asked in a low voice.

"Retreat. It's been nearly six hours since we acted. Even if Konoha's response is slow, they've had enough time to rally reinforcements. We'll take advantage of this and retreat swiftly through the Land of Birds," Onoki decided. Turning to Atsuchi, he asked, "Do you have enough clay for the return journey? We'll need flight."

"Yes," Atsuchi confirmed.

The Iwagakure ninja quickly climbed onto Atsuchi's newly crafted giant clay birds, and they soared into the night sky, vanishing into the darkness.

Meanwhile, Uzumaki Raiden and his team, unaware of Iwagakure's retreat, remained cautious. Despite it being late at night, they pressed on toward a town where their larger force was stationed.

At dawn, Uzumaki Raiden and Fugaku stopped outside a small town.

"Raiden, we've been traveling all night. How about resting here for a while?" Fugaku suggested.

Standing on a cliff edge overlooking the town below, the group could clearly see its layout. Fugaku, beside Raiden, pointed to the town and waited for his response.

"Alright. I doubt Iwagakure's pursuit will last much longer. Even though the Third Tsuchikage led them personally, with less than a hundred troops, they won't stay deep behind enemy lines," Raiden agreed.

Just then, a Uchiha clansman shouted toward the forest behind them, "Who's there? Come out!"

The shout alerted the group. Weapons were drawn as Raiden frowned and reached for the hilt of the Sakegari no Tachi, activating Kagura's Mind Eye.

Hearing the call, the hidden figures realized they had been discovered. One by one, they emerged from the forest—more than a dozen Rain ninja wearing forehead protectors and black ponchos. The leader, a young man with Orange hair, was flanked by a girl with blue hair and a red-haired young man.

The three carried short blades on their backs, their eyes filled with nostalgia as they looked at Uzumaki Raiden.

"Who are you? Why were you spying on us?" Fugaku demanded, stepping protectively in front of Raiden.

"We are Rain ninjas, from an organization called 'Akatsuki.' We noticed unfamiliar traces and came to investigate. We didn't expect to meet someone we know," Yahiko replied, smiling at Raiden.

Fugaku turned to Raiden in surprise, noting the latter's calm demeanor. "Raiden, do you know them?" he asked.

"Yes. Don't worry," Raiden assured him, patting Fugaku's shoulder before approaching Yahiko and the others.

The trio, Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan, were no strangers to Raiden. They had already formed the Akatsuki organization, and it seemed to have grown significantly. Yahiko explained their purpose: "Akatsuki aims to bring peace to the Land of Rain by ending the wars that plague it. These people share our vision and have joined us for that cause."

Raiden observed the group and noted their determination. He thought to himself, Ideals and strength. Such an organization will inevitably clash with forces like Hanzo of the Salamander.

Yahiko then turned to Raiden and asked, "Why are you here, Uncle? Are you on a mission?"

Raiden smiled. "Just a minor task. We ran into some trouble along the way and were heading into the town to rest. What about you?"

Yahiko nodded. "Same here. We just happened to be nearby. Let's go together."

The two groups merged and headed into the town. Raiden ordered his team to spread out and enter discreetly, transforming his appearance with the Transformation Technique to avoid drawing attention. Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato watched him curiously but refrained from questioning further.

(End of Chapter)

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